Lawn perforating tool and method of using same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a lawn perforating tool and method of using same to prepare new lawn or garden areas or distressed regions of existing lawns or gardens for the planting of seed, example of which include, but are not limited to, grass seed, clover seed, wildflower seed, and the like. The lawn perforating tool of the present invention is particularly configured to provide in the soil and dead grass holes or indentations of a size, shape, and depth that is optimal for receiving and germinating new grass seed and of a density and distribution suitable to provide the resulting grass with a visually desirable pattern, rendering new growth indistinguishable from old growth.

PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/789,368 filed Apr. 5, 2006, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a tool for perforating lawnand garden areas in preparation for seed applications. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to a lawn perforating tool andmethod of using same to prepare new lawn or garden areas or distressedregions of existing lawns or gardens for the planting of new seed, forexample grass seed, clover seed, wildflower seed, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Diseases, pests, irrigation difficulties and other factors can createregions of dead and/or dying grass and/or bare soil in existing lawns.Prior to sowing seed in these regions, so as to restore the lawn, onemust first prepare the ground for planting. To that end, it is necessaryto produce indentations or holes (also referred to herein as“perforations”) in the lawn, preferably of a depth and size thatmaximizes seed-to-soil contact and is suitable for the germination ofseed placed therein. The distribution of the holes must have densitysufficient to allow the resulting plant growth to form a continuousgrassy surface. In addition, it is desirable to provide spacing betweenthe holes, and to the pattern the holes in a non-uniform manner tothereby prevent the resulting grass from having a visually objectionablepattern. A tool optimized for this utility should also be capable oftilling or plowing the neighboring earth; in particular, it is desirableto push up and loosen the soil around the hole so as to create a softmound of soil that will readily crumble around the seed after watering.Finally, it is further desirable to configure the tool to minimizeoperator fatigue and muscle strain or, alternatively, to work inconjunction with a powered implement, such as a tractor or small engine.

There are a number of commercially available tools designed to loosen,cut, crumble and/or cultivate garden soil or the like. For example, U.S.Pat. Nos. 3,605,907 (Schuring et al.), 4,424,869 (vom Braucke et al.),and 4,678,043 (vom Braucke et al.) disclose various small hand toolsspecifically designed for such purposes. In addition, a variety ofmanual and automated lawn seeding machines are known in the art.However, none of the presently available options are capable ofproducing the optimized lawn perforations as described above while atthe same time maximizing efficiency and minimizing operator fatigue.Thus, there remains a clear need in the art for a lawn tool capable ofefficiently and effectively preparing a damaged area of lawn forreseeding. The present invention is directed to such a need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the presentinvention to provide an improved lawn perforating tool which allows auser to prepare a new lawn area or damaged area of lawn for seeding. Tothat end, the present invention provides a unique lawn perforating toolhaving working head composed of a series of intersecting, non-planar,wheel-like perforating plates that freely rotate about a working headaxle, each of the perforating plates provided with two or more angledradial arms particularly configured to not only penetrate soil to adesired depth but also produce a non-uniform pattern of perforationsoptimal for new growth.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or moreaspects of this invention can meet certain objectives, while one or moreother aspects can meet certain other objectives. Each objective may notapply equally, in all its respects, to every aspect of this invention.As such, the following objects can be viewed in the alternative withrespect to any one aspect of this invention.

It is, accordingly, an object of this invention to provide a lawnperforating tool which allows a user to prepare a lawn, particularly oneor more damaged lawn areas, for seeding (or reseeding).

It is also an object of this invention to provide a lawn perforatingtool which produces indentations or holes having non-uniform, irregularspacing and a controlled depth in areas of soil and dead grass.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a lawnperforating tool that penetrates the soil in a sideways direction,creating an optimally sized, shaped, and positioned hole that canreadily receive seed. In a preferred embodiment, this sideways actionprovides the tool with a tilling or plowing action, by loosening, and/orsoftening neighboring soil and creating soft mounds of soil that willreadily crumble around a seed after watering.

It is further an object of this invention to provide a lawn perforatingtool that prepares lawn areas for seeding while minimizing operatorfatigue. To that end, in a preferred embodiment, it may be desirable toinclude an adjustable handle portion, for example utilizing telescopingshafts or tubes, and/or one or more ergonomic, elastomeric hand grips.In another embodiment, the lawn perforating tool may be coupled topowered implement such as a tractor of small engine.

These and other objects and features of the invention will become morefully apparent when the following detailed description is read inconjunction with the accompanying figures and examples. However, it isto be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention andthe following detailed description are of a preferred embodiment, andnot restrictive of the invention or other alternate embodiments of theinvention. In particular, while the invention is described herein withreference to a number of specific embodiments, it will be appreciatedthat the description is illustrative of the invention and is notconstructed as limiting of the invention. Various modifications andapplications may occur to those who are skilled in the art, withoutdeparting from the spirit and the scope of the invention, as describedby the appended claims.

Likewise, other objects, features, benefits and advantages of thepresent invention will be apparent from this summary and certainembodiments described below, and will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Such objects, features, benefits and advantages willbe apparent from the above as taken into conjunction with theaccompanying examples, data, figures and all reasonable inferences to bedrawn therefrom, alone or with consideration of the referencesincorporated herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects and applications of the present invention will becomeapparent to the skilled artisan upon consideration of the briefdescription of the figures and the detailed description of the presentinvention and its preferred embodiments which follows:

FIG. 1 depicts a single shaft embodiment of a lawn perforating tooldesigned in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a double shaft embodiment of a lawn perforating tooldesigned in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 3A depicts a portion of a lawn having dead and dying grass, andbare soil following preparation for planting with seed using a lawnperforating tool designed in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention. FIG. 3B depicts a hole created in soil by a lawnperforating tool designed in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention, more particularly a plurality seeds filling the hole.The mouth of the hole is sufficiently wide so as to readily acceptseeds. The hole then tapers to a small niche, the taper funneling seedsdown to contact the soil, enhancing seed-to-soil contact which iscritical to germination.

FIGS. 4A and 4B present perspective and front elevational views,respectively, of a first embodiment of the perforating plates of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the perforating plates of FIG. 4assembled in coordinating arrangement as rotatable subassemblies.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational sectional view of the objects of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the perforating plates of a secondembodiment, prior to assembly as facing pairs.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the facing pair of the perforatingplates of FIG. 7 in mating engagement.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view depicting the engagement betweenopposing spikes and spike supports of the engaged pair of perforatingplates of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a front elevational sectional view depicting the engagementbetween opposing spikes and spike supports of the engaged facingperforating plates of FIG. 8 as well as the inclusion of the interveningspacer element.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of exemplary telescoping handles that maybe used in accordance with a lawn perforating tool of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodimentsof the present invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materialsare now described. However, before the present materials and methods aredescribed, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited tothe particular sizes, shapes, dimensions, materials, methodologies,protocols, etc. described herein, as these may vary in accordance withroutine experimentation and optimization. It is also to be understoodthat the terminology used in the description is for the purpose ofdescribing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is notintended to limit the scope of the present invention which will belimited only by the appended claims.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. However, in case of conflict,the present specification, including definitions, will control.

In the context of the present invention, the following definitionsapply:

The words “a”, “an” and “the” as used herein mean “at least one” unlessotherwise specifically indicated. Thus, for example, reference to a“rotatable plate” is a reference to one or more such plates andequivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

The term “proximal” as used herein refers to that end or portion whichis situated closest to the user of the device, farthest away from theworking head and earthen area being treated. In the context of thepresent invention, the proximal end of the inventive device includes thehandle portion.

The term “distal” as used herein refers to that end or portion situatedfarthest away from the user of the device, closest to the earthen site.In the context of the present invention, the distal end of the inventivedevice includes the working head and plurality of rotatable perforatingplates.

The term “rotational” is used herein to refer to the revolutionarymovement of the perforating plates, more particularly paired plateassemblies, about the axle. In the context of the present invention,rotation of the paired plate assemblies results in the production holesor indentations (i.e., perforations) in the soil, such perforationshaving size and shape optimized for receiving grass seed and present ina random or non-uniform pattern of perforations therein.

The term “axial” as used herein refers to the direction relating to orparallel with the longitudinal axis of the device. In the context of thepresent invention, the application of axial force to the device by theuser, for example by pushing the handle portion and/or pressing theoptional foot bar, results in both a downward pressure that drives thesharpened tines (i.e., spikes) of the perforating plates into the soilso as to produce one or more holes or indentations (i.e., perforations)in the soil suitable for receiving seeds, for example grass seeds, and aforward pressure that drives the rotation of the paired plateassemblies, which, in turn, results a random pattern of perforations inthe soil.

As used herein, the term “tapered” refers to a gradual decrease in sizetoward a sharp point or tip. Likewise, the term “beveled” is used hereinto refer to a surface or end that is slanted or inclined, at an angleother than 90 degrees. In the context of the present invention, eachperforating plate is comprised of a plurality of radially projectingarms. In one embodiment, the free ends of the arms may be tapered spikesor tines, each of which is provided with a sharp knife-like edge. Inanother embodiment, the free arm ends are alternately tapered orbeveled. The tapered arms are referred to herein as spikes or tineswhile the beveled arms are referred to as spike supports. In eitherembodiment, the spikes should be sufficiently sharp, provided with oneor more cutting edges capable of slicing grass and puncturing soil,thereby creating holes or indentations (“perforations”) sized and shapedto readily receive grass seed and allow it to germinate and grow. Moreparticularly, each spike is preferably sized and shaped to yield aperforation the can receive 1 to 5 seeds, more preferably 2 to 4 seeds,thereby avoiding the problems of overlapping and crowding of grass seedwhich, in turn, can result in dampening off or seed rot. To that end,the length of each spike is preferably 1 to 4 inches, more preferablyabout 3 inches.

As used herein, the term “acute” refers to an angle that is less than 90degrees. Conversely, the term “obtuse” refers to an angle that is morethan 90 degrees.

As used herein, the term “convex” refers to a surface or boundary thatcurves or bulges outward, as the exterior of a sphere. Conversely, theterm “concave” refers to surface or boundary that curves inward, as theinner surface of a sphere. The perforating plates of the presentinvention have overall non-planar configuration that may be described as“convex” or “concave”, depending upon the point of reference. Thisconfiguration results from the fact that at least one of the radiallyprojecting arms of each penetrating plate is disposed at an anglerelative to a central bore axis. This angled arrangement allows one ormore of the radial arms to penetrate the soil in a sideways direction,thereby creating holes of optimized size, shape, depth, and density.

As discussed above, the lawn perforating tool of the present inventionis composed of a handle portion and a working portion. The handleportion preferably includes one or more drive shafts. It is desirablefor each drive shaft to be “fitted” to the intended user or application,for example through the use of telescoping tubes that allow the overalllength of the drive shaft to be adjusted as needed. In addition,depending upon the application, each drive shaft may be relativelystraight or bent, at a fixed or adjustable angle. Each drive shaft ispreferably formed from a suitably rigid and durable material capable ofwithstanding without bending. Examples of such materials include metals,particularly steel, iron and aluminum, and rigid plastics such asthermoset polyurethane, polycarbonates, and PVC. Materials with atensile strength of at least 7,000 Psi, more preferably at least 10,000Psi, even more preferably 12,000 Psi or higher are most suitable. Theselected material be initially fabricated and subsequently formed intoone or more tool components using any conventional process, for examplethrough casting, molding or extrusion processes.

When designed for human powering, each drive shaft is preferablyprovided with one or more hand grips. The one or more hand grips arepreferably formed from a soft elastomeric material, such as rubber,thermoplastic polyolefins, and polyethylenes. In one preferredembodiment, the hand grips are slidably disposed about the proximal endof the drive shafts and provided with one or more finger recesses. In apreferred embodiment, the hand grips extend from the drive shaft in arelatively transverse fashion. In certain preferred embodiments, therelative angle between each hand grip and drive shaft may be adjusted tosuit the individual user or intended use.

When designed for use with a powered or motorized implement, such astractor or small engine, the drive shaft(s) may be provided with aconnecting means, for example a cupped element designed to engage astandard trailer hitch.

In contrast to conventional tools for loosening, cutting or crumblinggarden soil, most of which are hand tools, the lawn perforating deviceof the present invention is in one embodiment designed to be powered bya user's leg or foot, with the user's hands serving to hold the deviceupright and guide it along its intended path. By placing one's foot onthe working head end, foot pressure combine with human weight to drivethe wheels in a downward direction, forcing the spikes to the requisitedepth for seed germination (typically about 1 to 2 inches). Furthermore,moving the working head over grass areas in a back and forth fashionwith one's leg or foot results in a random pattern of holes orindentations. This non-uniform hole pattern provides the best possibleopportunity for seed to knit together to, in turn, create a uniformlawn. In contrast, conventional seeding tools typically plant seeds inrows, leaving obvious areas of bare soil.

In the context of the present invention, the working portion or workinghead of the lawn perforating tool of the present invention is mounted tothe distal end of the handle portion, in a generally transversedirection. At a minimum, the working head is comprised of one or morenon-planar perforating plates rotatably disposed about one or moreaxles. Although the number of perforating plates is not critical, foroptimal performance it is preferable to utilize an even number of platesarranged in paired assemblies as discussed in detail below. In apreferred embodiment, the working head is provided with two to twentyplates, more preferably four to eighteen, even more preferably eight tosixteen. In that it is preferable to arrange the perforating platesalong the axle in coordinating pairs, it is desirable to provide theworking head with an even number of plates. To that end, the presentinvention contemplates a small version, comprised of about 2 to 6 platepairs, as well as a larger version comprised of about 6 to 16 platepairs. In addition, the present invention contemplates a working headcomposed of multiple axles, such an embodiment being particularly suitedfor use in conjunction with a motorized implement or engine or for beingtowed behind a tractor or the like.

The working head may also include a frame member, optimally composed ofa foot bar mounted above and parallel to one or more axles, said footbar and axle(s) connected at either end by a pair of side arms. The footbar may optionally be fitted with a non-slip surface or coating, forexample a grip tape layer or knurled metal surface. Each axle preferablycomprises a straight shaft that distributes energy evenly across theperforating plates so as to allow for the application of a forcesufficient to accomplish the creation of holes at the correct depth.

Each perforating plate is comprised of a central bore, sized to allowthe working head axle to slide therethrough, and a plurality of radiallyprojecting arms extending therefrom. Although the number of radial armsis not critical to the present invention, in a preferred embodiment eachperforating plate is provided with two to twelve arms, more preferablyfour to ten, even more preferably four to eight. As noted above, over,one or more of the radial arms disposed at an angle relative to theaxle, thereby affording each plate with a non-planar appearance,optimally a concave or convex configuration, depending upon the point ofreference. The angled disposition of the radial arms provides the toolwith a sideways “plowing” action that yields optimized indentations inthe soil. Although the invention is not limited to a particularconfiguration, in order to achieve the sideways plowing action, it ispreferable that the angle formed by each plate arm relative to a planethat includes the central bore axis of the plate ranges from 5 to 45degrees, more preferably 10 to 30 degrees, even more preferably 10 to 20degrees.

In a preferred embodiment, the perforating plates are arranged about theaxle is coordinating pairs, referred to herein a rotatablesubassemblies. In assembly, first and second concave plates are arrangedin an offset facing relationship, such that the radially projectingspikes of the first plate interlace with those of the second plate. Moreparticularly, in one preferred embodiment, each tapered arm (or spike)of the first plate extends between two opposing tapered arms (or spikes)of the second plate and vice versa. When the beveled spike supports areutilized, it is preferable that the beveled ends of each spike supportof the first plate rests snugly against the surface of an opposing spikeon the second plate and vice versa. This arrangement of opposing armsnot only affords support to the spikes when penetrating soil, therebyallowing user to apply more pressure so as to reach a depth critical forseed germination, but also enhances the overall shape of the hole thateach spike creates. In particular, the hole narrows from a wide mouth toa small niche hole. The wide opening is more accepting of seed spreadacross it (i.e., catches seeds more easily) and the narrowing furrowfunnels the seed down to contact the soil, enhancing the soil to seedcontact which is important for seed germination. The spike support alsocreates more of a plowing action. In use, it pushes up and loosens soilaround the hole. The sideways puncture and the enhanced plowing togetheryield a soft mound of soil that will readily crumble around the seedafter watering, causing increased soil to seed contact.

To maintain the coordinating relationship between paired plates, it isdesirable to affix the plates to the axle, for example by means ofbrazing or welding, or alternatively to affix each plate to the other,for example by means of a spacer mechanism. The spacer should not onlyprovide the requisite fixed axial separation between paired plates butalso maintain correct alignment of neighboring radial arms and preventrelative movement between paired plates, thereby allowing the pairedplates to form single rotatable subassembly. In that the spacer may alsobe slidably received about the axle, it too may be afforded with acentral bore. Thus, in one preferred embodiment, the spacer takes theform of a tubular sleeve. To maintain the paired plates andintermediately disposed spacer as a fixed assembly, it may be desirableto provide each with engaging elements, for example screws and matingscrew threads. Alternatively, the spacer sleeve may be provided with aplurality of splines that engage a keyway disposed in the central boreof one or more plates. Other fastening mechanisms are contemplated,including more permanent fastening means such as welding and brazing. Inother embodiments, the rotatable paired plate subassemblies may befabricated as a single unit, thereby avoiding the need to maintain axialseparation and alignment.

In addition to providing a spacer element between facing plates, it mayalso be desirable to include a second spacer element to separateadjacent paired assemblies. Like the first spacer element(s), the secondspacer element(s) may be permanently or removably affixed to itsneighboring plates. Alternatively, the spacers may simply slide freelyalong the axle plate pairs.

The lawn perforating device of the present invention is designed toslice through dead grass then puncture the lawn soil, which is oftenquite hard. Furthermore, in order to achieve germination, it isimportant that the holes in the soil extend to a sufficient depth.Although seeds may be capable of germinating at depths of less than oneinch or greater than two inches, for optimal germination it ispreferable to utilize a depth of about 1 to 2 inches. Thus, it is clearthat a certain amount of user strength and device integrity is required.The cupped and interlaced perforating plates of the lawn perforatingtool of the present invention provide the needed rigidity to applysufficient force to accomplish the creation of the holes at thenecessary depth, typically about 1 to 2 inches. Bending of the spikeswill cause the wheels to rotate and roll in a rough and uneven mannerwhich, in turn, results in poor performance or failure of the device. Asdiscussed above, the interlacing of the radial arms gain support fromeach other, thus preventing bending from applied force. Nevertheless, itis still desirable to construct the perforating plates and their radialarms of high tensile strength material sufficient to accomplish thecreation of holes at the necessary depth without bending. Illustrativeexamples of such materials include, but are not limited to, stampedaluminum, laser cut aluminum, or other cast or cut metals, as well ascertain hard plastics.

Hereinafter, the present invention is described in more detail byreference to Figures and Examples. However, the following materials,methods, figures, and examples only illustrate aspects of the inventionand are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention.As such, methods and materials similar or equivalent to those describedherein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention.

Multiple embodiments of the lawn perforating device of the presentinvention are contemplated herein. FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of thelawn perforating tool of the present invention, tool 100 having anelongated proximal portion 104 forming a handle having a proximalportion 104 and a distal portion 106. In a preferred embodiment,proximal portion 104 is offset from distal portion 104 at an angle 112.Proximal portion 104 has at its proximal end single hand grip 108, andat its distal end transverse element 110 from which extend a pair ofhand grips 111A and 111B, grips 108, 111A, and 111B being formed from asuitable flexible and/or elastomeric material. Distal portion 106 has atits distal end and mounted thereto transverse assembly 114 having arigidly mounted frame portion 116, and paired plate subassemblies 118rotatably mounted to portion 116.

Depending on the size of the damaged lawn area, one may opt for asmaller version (FIG. 1) or larger version (FIG. 2). For example, insectinfestation, drought and disease situations typically result in largeareas of damaged lawn. Accordingly, a larger model would be preferred.As shown in FIG. 2, in addition to a pair of longer shafts (204, 206),each of which is provided with hand grips (211A, 211B) formed from asuitable flexible and/or elastomeric material, the larger version (200)is further provided with additional paired plate subassemblies 218rotatably mounted to portion 216 to allow coverage of a large area inless time and with less effort. Conversely, pets spot areas and areasalong curbs tend to be smaller, more confined, and thus are more suitedfor treatment with the smaller model of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, thesmaller model is provided with more concentrated spiking so as toconfine perforating to the target damaged area and avoid puncturinghealthy areas of the lawn. This concentrated effort maximizes efficiencywhile minimizing user fatigue. In either embodiment, the handle portionmay be straight or optionally bent, for example at the midpoint, tomaximize downward pressure and concentrate effort.

FIG. 3A depicts a portion of a lawn having dead and dying grass, andbare soil following preparation for planting with seed using a lawnperforating tool designed in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention. Specifically, lawn portion 2 has regions 4 of livegrass, regions of dead grass 6, and regions 8 with no grass.Perforations 10 formed by an implement formed in accordance with theprinciples of this invention, are of a size and depth suitable for thegermination of grass seed placed therein. Perforations 10 occur inregions 6 of dead grass and regions 8 of bare soil. The pattern ofperforations 10 when viewed in plan view as in FIG. 3A, have anirregular spacing formed by a unique mechanism of the implement andmethod herein disclosed.

FIG. 3B depicts a hole 20 created in soil 21 by a lawn perforating tooldesigned in accordance with the principles of the present invention,more particularly a plurality seeds 22 filling the hole. As depicted,the mouth 23 of the hole is sufficiently wide so as to readily acceptone or more seeds, preferably one to five seeds. The hole then tapers toa small niche 24, the taper funneling seeds down to contact the soil,enhancing seed-to-soil contact which is critical to germination.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5 provide front elevational and perspective views of afirst embodiment of the perforating plates of the present invention.FIG. 6 is a front elevational sectional view of the objects of FIG. 5.Each subassembly 118 is composed of first perforating plate 120, secondperforating plate 122, and spacer 124, plates 120 and 122 beingoptionally secured to spacer 124 by welding, brazing or other suitablemechanical fastening means. In one preferred embodiment, plates 120 and122 are secured to spacer 124 by welding. Perforating plates 120 and 122are each provided with a plurality of radial arms 126 of width 128,angularly spaced by angle 130 to create angular spaces 131 therebetween.Arms 126 terminate in tapered portions 132 forming knife edges 134,herein referred to as “spikes”. Spikes 126 are formed to angle 136 witha plane normal to axis 138 of spacer 124. Assembly 118 has a centralbore or hole 142 of diameter 140 formed therethrough.

Multiple subassemblies are aligned for assembly onto an axle throughaxial holes 142. As seen in FIG. 5, first subassembly 250 is separatedfrom second subassembly 252 by second spacer 254, which is preferablynot affixed to either subassembly. Radial arms 126 (designated 226) offirst subassembly 250 adjacent to second subassembly 252 are positionedwithin angular spaces 131 (designated 231 in FIGS. 5 and 6) of secondsubassembly 252. Arms 126 (designated 326 in FIGS. 5 and 6) of secondsubassembly 252 are positioned within angular spaces 131 (designated 331in FIGS. 5 and 6) of first subassembly 250. This relative positioningand loose meshing of arms 226 and 326 of adjacent subassemblies 118allows first subassembly 250 to be angularly displaced (i.e., offset)relative to second subassembly 252, the maximum amount of relativedisplacement being determined by width 128 of spikes 126, and theangular spacing 130 between arms 126. Arms 126 of subassemblies 250 and252 together form a wedge having an included angle 156 equal to twiceangle 136.

FIGS. 7-10 depict an alternate embodiment of perforating plate andassembled plate pairs. Like the above-described embodiments, eachsubassembly 718 is composed of first perforating plate 720, secondperforating plate 722, and spacer 724. Assembly 718 has a central boreor hole 742 of diameter 740 formed therethrough. Plate 720 may beoptionally secured to plate 722 via spacer 724. In the embodimentdepicted, the spacer is attached to first plate 720 and provided at itsdistal end with a series of splines 50 that interlock with the matingkeyway 51 provided in the axial hole 742 of opposing plate 722.Perforating plates 720 and 722 are each provided with a plurality ofangularly spaced radial arms 726.

Unlike the previous embodiment, the herein depicted alternate embodimentutilizes plates comprised of alternating tapered spikes 727 and spikesupports 728. Spikes 727 terminate in tapered portions 732 forming knifeedges 734. Both spikes and spike supports are preferably disposed at anangle 736 with a plane normal to axis 738 of spacer 724. As best shownin FIG. 9, when assembled in coordinating facing pairs 718, the beveledends 729 of each spike support 728 of a first plate rests snugly againsta side surface 730 of an opposing spike 727 on a second plate and viceversa.

This offset arrangement of opposing arms not only affords support to thespikes when penetrating soil, thereby allowing user to apply morepressure so as to reach a depth critical for seed germination, but alsoenhances the overall shape of the hole that each spike creates. Inparticular, the hole narrows from a wide mouth to a small niche hole.The wide opening is more accepting of seed spread across it (i.e.,catches seeds more easily) and the narrowing furrow funnels the seeddown to contact the soil, enhancing the soil to seed contact which isimportant for seed germination. The spike support also creates more of aplowing action. In use, it pushes up and loosens soil around the hole.The sideways puncture and the enhanced plowing together yield a softmound of soil that will readily crumble around the seed after watering,causing increased soil to seed contact.

When assembled, the working head comprises a plurality of subassemblies718, the arms 726 of adjacent subassemblies loosely meshing so as toallows angular displacement between adjacent subassemblies 718.Subassemblies 718 and spacers are designed to rotate freely on axle.

During use, downward force is applied to distal assembly 114 usinghandle 102 such that protrusions 126 are forced into the soil asassembly 114 is traversed over a region of dead grass and soil. Becausesubassemblies 118 and 718 are able to angularly displace from each otherduring rotation, the pattern of holes produced is non-uniform inspacing. The depth of the holes is determined by the downward forceapplied to the workhead and the wedge angle between angled arms 126 and726. Holes produced in this manner are optimal for the germination ofseed placed therein.

In preferred embodiments, subassemblies 118 and 718 are formed from asuitably durable, high tensile strength material, for example a metallicmaterial, polymeric material, or composite material.

In the embodiments herein described subassemblies 118 and 718 rotate onan axle mounted at its end to endplates. In other embodiments distal end106 of elongated portion 102 is affixed to the center point of an axleand subassemblies 118 and 718 rotate on lateral portions of the axle.

Arms 126 and spikes 727 of the embodiments herein described are radial,of a constant width, and have a tapered end terminating in a knife-edge.Other embodiments are anticipated in which arms 126 have other, morecomplex shapes. For instance, the arms may be tapered over their entirelength, and/or may terminate in a blunt end (e.g., spike support 728).Similarly, the arms may be disposed at an angle relative to a radialline when viewed in plan view. The number of protrusions on each platemay be increased or decreased.

Any embodiment of the lawn perforating tool of the present may beequipped with telescoping handles to ergonomically fit any body type. Itis important that the tool be adjusted proportionately to the personusing it as the action of the working head with leg/foot/arm requiresthe correct handle length to work comfortably and effectively.Furthermore, through correct adjustment of the telescoping handle, onecan maximize the efficiency of energy transfer needed for effective use,i.e., to drive the spikes to the requisite 1 to 2 inch depth of soilpenetration. An exemplary embodiment of telescoping handles, includingrelatively slidable proximal and distal shafts 304 and 306) is depictedin FIG. 11. Handles 311A and 331B may optionally be fitted withelastomeric covers (not shown) as desired.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The lawn perforating tool of the present invention is ideally suited torepairing damaged areas of existing lawn and preparing such forreseeding.

All patents and publications mentioned herein are incorporated byreference in their entirety. Nothing herein is to be construed as anadmission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosureby virtue of prior invention.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference tospecific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the foregoingdescription is exemplary and explanatory in nature and is intended toillustrate the invention and its preferred embodiments. Through routineexperimentation, one skilled in the art will readily recognize thatvarious changes and modifications can be made therein without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the inventiondisclosed could be provided with, for example, a larger or smallerhandle, a motor and/or other attachments without departure from thespirit of the invention.

Other advantages and features will become apparent from the claims filedhereafter, with the scope of such claims to be determined by theirreasonable equivalents, as would be understood by those skilled in theart. Thus, it should be understood that the invention is intended not tobe defined by the foregoing description, but by the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

1. A lawn perforating tool comprising: (a) an elongate handle portionhaving a proximal end and a distal end; (b) a working head transverselymounted to the distal end of said handle portion, said working headhaving at least one axle; and (c) an even number of perforating platesrotatably disposed about said axle, each of said plates comprising acentral bore defining a bore axis and a plurality of radial armsextending from said central bore, wherein said radial arms alternatelycomprise a long tapered spike and a relatively shorter beveled spikesupport, at least one of which is positioned at an angle relative to aplane that is normal to the bore axis, further wherein said perforatingplates are arranged opposite one another in facing pairs offset in sucha manner such that at least one of the tapered spikes of a first plateextends between two tapered spikes of an opposing plate and at least oneof the beveled spike supports of a first plate rests snugly against aside surface of a tapered spike on an opposing plate.
 2. The lawnperforating tool of claim 1, wherein each set of facing pairs is axiallyseparated from an adjacent set of facing pairs by means of a tubularspacer which is also rotatably disposed about said axle, said spacerbeing affixed to adjacent plates so as to maintain correct alignment ofneighboring radial arms and prevent relative movement between saidplates.
 3. The lawn perforating tool of claim 2, wherein said spacer isattached to each of said plates by a mechanical fastening means.
 4. Thelawn perforating tool of claim 2, wherein the central bore of each plateis provided with means for engaging a mating element on said spacer. 5.The lawn perforating tool of claim 1, wherein the number of radial armson each plate ranges from four to eight.
 6. The lawn perforating tool ofclaim 1, wherein the number of plates on each axle ranges from eight tosixteen.
 7. The lawn perforating tool of claim 1, wherein each of saidtapered spikes, together with its opposing spike support, provides asideways extending lawn perforation that is 1 to 2 inches in depth. 8.The lawn perforating tool of claim 1, said tool capable of providing adense, non-uniform pattern of indentations in a lawn.
 9. The lawnperforating tool of claim 1, wherein said plates are formed from a hightensile strength material or by means of a high strength fabricatingmethod.
 10. The lawn perforating tool of claim 9, wherein said materialis selected from the group consisting of metals, polymers, and compositematerials.
 11. The lawn perforating tool of claim 9, wherein saidmaterial is a metal selected from the group consisting of stampedaluminum and laser cut aluminum.
 12. The lawn perforating tool of claim1, wherein said handle portion comprises a pair of parallel shafts, eachof which is provided with an elastomeric hand grip at its proximal end.13. The lawn perforating tool of claim 12, wherein each hand grip isdisposed at an angle relative to the axis of the shaft to which it isattached.
 14. The lawn perforating tool of claim 12, wherein saidparallel shafts each comprise a pair of telescoping tubes.
 15. The lawnperforating tool of claim 12, wherein said shafts are linear.
 16. Thelawn perforating tool of claim 12, wherein said shafts are bent.
 17. Thelawn perforating tool of claim 1, wherein said handle portion comprisesa single shaft provided with a transverse handle bar at its proximalend, further wherein each end of the handle bar is provided with anelastomeric hand grip.
 18. The lawn perforating tool of claim 17,wherein said shaft comprises a pair of telescoping tubes.
 19. The lawnperforating tool of claim 17, wherein said shaft is linear.
 20. The lawnperforating tool of claim 17, wherein said shaft is bent.
 21. The lawnperforating tool of claim 1, wherein said handle portion comprises asingle bent shaft comprised of a pair of telescoping tubes, said shaftprovided with a first hand grip at the proximal end and a second handgrip extending from the shaft in a transverse fashion at or near thebend.
 22. The lawn perforating tool of claim 1, wherein said workinghead comprises a frame composed of a foot bar mounted above and parallelto said at least one axle, said foot bar and axle connected at eitherend by a pair of side arms.
 23. A method of repairing lawn damagecomprising the steps of: (a) providing the lawn perforation tool ofclaim 1, wherein said radial arms are capable of providing a pluralityof lawn perforations having an overall depth ranging from 1 to 2 inchesand being suitable for receiving grass seed; (b) moving said lawnperforation tool over an area of damaged lawn so as to yield a randomarray of such lawn perforations.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein themovement of step (b) involves repeating moving the lawn perforation toolover the area of damaged lawn in back and forth manner, said movementresulting not only in the formation of a random array of lawnperforations but also the loosening of adjacent soil.
 25. The method ofclaim 23, wherein said movement is man-powered.
 26. The method of claim23, wherein said movement is engine-powered.
 27. The method of claim 23,wherein said movement is provided by a tractor to which the lawnperforation tool is attached.
 28. The method of claim 23, wherein eachof said lawn perforation narrows from a wide mouth to a small nichehole.
 29. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step ofspreading seed across the random array of lawn perforations.